Association between Factors Related and Mask-Wearing Behavior among Chinese Tourists Toward Post COVID-19 in Beijing, China: A Preliminary Study

Background: The global travel and tourism landscape has been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating the adoption of preventive measures to ensure the safety of both travelers and local communities. In this context, comprehending the factors that shape mask -wearing behavior among Chinese tourists, especially in bustling destinations like Beijing, China, holds great significance. This preliminary study delves into the intricate association between knowledge, attitudes, gender, and communication factors that influence mask -wearing behavior among post-COVID-19 Chinese tourists. This preliminary study aims to investigate the association between factors related and mask -wearing behavior among Chinese tourists in Beijing, China, during the post-COVID-19 era. Method: This is a cross-sectional design. The participants comprise 124 Chinese nationals from different cities in China, all of whom visited Beijing for a minimum of two days. Data were gathered through an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used for analysis. Results: The findings indicated that tourists who consistently received reliable information regarding COVID-19 preventive measures from local authorities in Beijing were more inclined to wear masks compared to those without such information (OR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.18-9.47). Additionally, males exhibited a significantly higher tendency to wear masks, being 7.10 times more likely than females (OR = 7.10, 95% CI = 2.90-17.40). Conclusion: The study revealed that tourists who received consistent and reliable information and knowledge about COVID-19 prevention measures from local authorities in Beijing were more likely to wear masks. This highlights the pivotal role of effective information dissemination in promoting responsible behavior. It also reveals a significant gender disparity, emphasizing the need for gender -specific strategies. Policymakers, public health authorities, and tourism management should collaborate on comprehensive, to promote consistent mask -wearing behavior among tourists, safeguarding public health and ensuring the vitality of the tourism industry in the postpandemic era.